As the IPL league stage hurtles towards its cliffhanger finale, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are on the edge with chances of finishing in the top two. Here’s a summary of what RCB must do to make it to the top two, along with the scenarios which can either ignite their qualifier 1 hopes or dash them.
Must-Win Encounter Against LSG
The most pressing and initial requirement is a simple one: RCB has to beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their last league game. A defeat would knock them out of the race for top-two immediately, irrespective of the other games.
Winning against LSG would leave RCB with 19 points, with their hopes still alive. But then, their destiny also lies on other rivals Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) do with their remaining games.
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How RCB Can Still Make It To Top Two
At least one of the above results must favor RCB in order for them to break into the top two. These are the two best possible paths:
Scenario 1: CSK Beat GT
If Chennai Super Kings beat GT, Gujarat will still have 18 points. In that situation, RCB only needs to beat LSG no NRR theatrics required. A victory would ensure them with 19 points and a spot in the top two.
Scenario 2: PBKS Slip Once, GT Win
Even if GT beats CSK, and PBKS has already lost one match against Delhi Capitals, still RCB can also finish second. But this also brings in an added twist: RCB will need a better NRR than PBKS to claim the second position.
This creates a possibility of a nail-biting finish, as RCB would possibly require an emphatic victory against LSG to overtake PBKS in terms of net run rate, a factor that has repeatedly proven crucial in determining the IPL standings.
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RCB Aiming For Top Two Finish
Though RCB can’t dictate their own destiny, they can remain in contention by defeating LSG. With Punjab Kings already losing one match now RCB will be hoping that CSK wins and they are still in top two race. Any one blip from either of them, coupled with RCB’s good performance, can make them enter the top two, an immensely valuable position in the playoffs, which provides two shots at the final.
